Split verdict in murder trial

FORMER pilot Greg Lynn was found guilty of murdering Wonnangatta Valley camper Carol Clay but acquitted of fellow camper Russell Hill's murder. The 12-person jury laid down their highly anticipated split verdict last Tuesday afternoon, July 25, after a five-week trial and just over a week of deliberations. Arguably one of Victoria’s biggest murder trials in the past decade, Mr Lynn reportedly stared straight ahead as the verdict was read inside the packed courtroom. The 57-year-old had pleaded not guilty to two charges of murder, arguing the deaths of campers Russell Hilll, 74, and Carol Clay, 73, at a Wonnangatta Valley campsite in March 2020 were tragic accidents. Mr Lynn, the defence’s only witness, told the court Ms Clay was shot in the head while he and Mr Hill struggled over the former pilot’s shotgun after a dispute. He said Mr Hill died after a knife accidentally plunged into his chest in a subsequent struggle. Mr Lynn’s lawyer, Dermot Dann KC, previously told the court his client had made a “series of terrible choices” to cover up the pair’s deaths, which included destroying evidence and burning the remains of both victims. Mr Lynn told the jury his actions in destroying evidence at the campsite were a "panicked" response to the "horrendous" scene before him. "All I can say to the families is that I am very sorry for your suffering that I caused," he said. "I haven't behaved well, I've made some poor decisions, but murder, as I understand it, I'm innocent of." Prosecutors had described Mr Lynn’s series of events as a lie and argued his actions had murderous intent. Crown prosecutor Daniel Porceddu alleged Mr Hill was killed first by unknown means, most likely over a dispute about Mr Hill’s drone, and Ms Clay, a witness, was later shot in the head. A total of 49 witnesses were called throughout the trial including friends and family members, police detectives, experts and park rangers and workers in the Wonnangatta Valley. Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien released a statement acknowledging the jury’s verdict and thanked the work of its officers during the four-year long case. “Our thoughts are with the Hill and Clay families at this time and we acknowledge how difficult these past four years have been for them,” he said. “Their courage and resilience in the face of their grief, amidst enormous public attention, has been nothing short of extraordinary. “We would also like to acknowledge the determination and perseverance of Missing Persons Squad detectives over the course of this exhaustive and complex investigation, as well as the significant support received from a number of specialist areas and local police from right across Victoria Police.” Mr Lynn has been in custody since November 2021, and will remain in custody to await a sentence. A mention hearing has been set for July 19. Anybody found guilty of murder is liable to at least 25 years imprisonment in Victoria, with the maximum sentence of life imprisonment.